Rome, Italy: 8 free attractions to see by day or night

The Roman Colosseum

Jason La / Los Angeles Times

It doesn't take an eternity to save up for a trip to the Eternal City. Many of the city's top sights and attractions are free. Here are some must-see stops that won't cost you a euro. --Jason La The Roman Colosseum Though the inside is worth a look (a 12-euro ticket, roughly $15, gets you access to the inside plus entrance to the nearby Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum), the grandeur of the Colosseum is best seen from the outside. Nightime is my favorite, when the lighting gives it an elegant touch. You can walk nearly all the way around -- free of charge -- this ancient stadium where men and lions clashed.

It doesn't take an eternity to save up for a trip to the Eternal City. Many of the city's top sights and attractions are free. Here are some must-see stops that won't cost you a euro. --Jason La The Roman Colosseum Though the inside is worth a look (a 12-euro ticket, roughly $15, gets you access to the inside plus entrance to the nearby Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum), the grandeur of the Colosseum is best seen from the outside. Nightime is my favorite, when the lighting gives it an elegant touch. You can walk nearly all the way around -- free of charge -- this ancient stadium where men and lions clashed. (Jason La / Los Angeles Times)

The Pantheon One of the best-preserved buildings from ancient Rome, the Pantheon was rebuilt during the second century AD during the reign of Hadrian, emperor of Rome from 117 to 138 AD. Originally a temple to the Roman gods, the Pantheon is now used as a Christian church and is a popular tourist stop.

The Pantheon One of the best-preserved buildings from ancient Rome, the Pantheon was rebuilt during the second century AD during the reign of Hadrian, emperor of Rome from 117 to 138 AD. Originally a temple to the Roman gods, the Pantheon is now used as a Christian church and is a popular tourist stop. (Jason La / Los Angeles Times)